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January 15, 2015

Apple kept its strategy and kept old prices of new iPad whilst discounting old models. The cheapest Air 2 costs £399 and has 16GB of storage (no GPS, Wi-Fi only).

The mini 3 costs £318.99 for 16GB and just Wi-Fi and this is the only version available right now on MadBid auctions where you can grab it for even as little as £54. The Air 2 is also available with same storage and connectivity and can be snapped in auction for just £4.44. Bargains like that cannot be found anywhere else.

Obviously the iPad mini 3 is the cheaper option at Buy Now level, but it’s not the best value for money. And remember smaller screen means less comfort in prolonged usage, however better portability.

Let me dwell into technical details.

Hardware Comparison

The major difference between these toys for big boys is processor. Here lies the reason why I think iPad Air 2 is better option. A8X processor offers amazing performance. Simply, it is so quick; it outperforms the iPad mini 3′s A7 CPU by a far.

In Geekbench 3.0 performance test, we found the iPad mini 3 scored 1376 in the single-core test and 2483 in the multi-core test. Which turns out bleak in comparison to iPad Air 2 judging by benchmark tests, scoring 1818 in the single-core test and a whopping 4520 in the multi-core test. That’s about 37% better.

But do you really need Air 2′s huge performance? At this point you have to answer honestly what you need the tablet device for. If you need a portable device complementary to your 13” MacBook then choose Mini. But if you want to unburden yourself from your laptop everywhere than iPad air is better, and this is why.

The Air 2 displays all pictures and videos on pretty nifty 9.7in screen whilst mini 3 has a smaller 7.9in display. Both have the same resolution, which is unchanged from their predecessors at 2048×1536. Both can only be described as outstanding screens. The novelty on the iPad Air 2 is a laminated display which gives a very solid impression. This improves displayed picture quality. If you plan to use it outdoors, the anti-glare coating is welcome improvement.

The Air 2 also has 802.11ac Wi-Fi which should provide faster file transfers when connected to a compatible router or hotspot. The iPad mini sticks with the 802.11n dual-band setup of its predecessor. Note that older hotel Wi-Fi installation, airports etc. don’t support this interface in vast majority. Same may apply to your home or workplace.

Finally, the Air 2 has barometer for detecting changes in air pressure. This isn’t for weather warnings, though: it’s for detecting altitude so compatible apps can tell you how many flights of stairs you climbed, while carrying your iPad. (Bear in mind that iPads don’t have the new Health app found on iPhones with iOS 8.). But do you really need it.

You should now know which one fits your needs more. All you now have to do is start bidding.

October 24, 2014

MadBid met TV news presenter Nicholas Owen and Actress Amanda Burton at The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury, on the 18th October 2014 to hand over a cheque for the money that was raised in last year’s MadBid Bids4Kids campaign.

MadBid’s campaign raised a fantastic £7,370.26 and we hope to continue raising money with their new monthly auctions.

July 11, 2014

Buying a new car is always a headache, especially when you are looking for a good deal. MadBid sells on average 1-2 cars a year but understandably that is not enough for the number of car bargain hunters out there. From Manheim auctions to webuyanycar.com we are going to see what online has to offer for those on a look out for a new set of wheels.

July 10, 2014

The Galaxy S5 has continued the trend of very successful Samsung devices, but compare Samsung S5 vs S4, the phone feels a little in the dark, especially considering the amount of competition flung into the market this year, from HTC, Sony, LG and others.

Reports of the LG G3 beating the Galaxy S5 3/1 in sales in South Korea, alongside growth for HTC and others, shows interest in the Galaxy S5 is at an all-time low. Here is why we should be paying more attention to the Galaxy S5.